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4 storeys or levels form one compartment

Figure 9.1.1a.(1) : Single household dwelling

Building having 4 stories or levels under PG I are permitted. The above relaxation was introduced in 13 June 1996 to take into consideration of proliferation of 4-level PG I buildings due to the sudden surge in the public demand for two storey conventional houses with attic and basement.

The SCDF reviewed the above matter and issued a circular on 14 Dec 1999 to allow buildings under PG I to have more than 3 levels or floors if they are occupied as a single household dwelling without the need to provide automatic fire system or external staircase.

Figure 9.1.1a.(2) -1

Figure 9.1.1a.(2) -2

Buildings which exceed 3 storeys or levels, inclusive of attic and basement but not exceeding 4 storeys or levels are not required to comply with either the provision of an automatic fire alarm system or the provision of an external exit staircase to serve the topmost storey or level.  See Figure 9.1.1a.(3) - 1 and 9.1.1a.(3) - 2, subject to complying with the clear width of staircase and corridor as mentioned in Table 2.2A.

Figure 9.1.1a.(3) -1 : Unenclosed internal staircase serving as
means of escape for the building

Figure 9.1.1a.(3) -2

An alternative arrangement to fire separates the basement from upper storeys. Basement level shall be compartmented and separated from upper storeys such that discharge shall be directly to external space.

Figure 9.1.1b.(2) : Floor over a basement

Any floor immediately over a basement storey, if such storey forms part of a building of PG I which has four or more storeys (including the basement storey), shall be constructed as a compartment floor, i.e. horizontally separating the upper storeys from the basement.  The exit staircase serving the basement shall be made to discharge into the exterior at grade level.